A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from Churchtown was knocked to the ground by a metal hoarding which blew on top of her in Southport town centre.

Margaret Speakman, of Moss Lane, Churchtown, was in Morrisons car park, Lord Street, with her husband, grand-daughter and great-grandson when strong winds blew corrugated metal fencing, used to cover the current building works, against her.

The pensioner was unable to stand after the impact, was then forced to wait an hour and half on the floor in the cold and the rain before an ambulance could get to her and remained on the ground until ambulance crews reached her.

Margaret, 73, was kept in Southport Hospital overnight for observations and was released the following morning after being treated for cuts and bruises.

The mother-of-one told the Southport Visiter: “I had just been shopping with my family.

“My husband, Colin, and great-grandson Reece, were ahead of me and my grand-daughter, Elizabeth, was walking with me.

“Then all of a sudden there was a big gust of wind and then this piece of corrugated metal hit me and knocked me to the ground.

“I landed awkwardly on my back and couldn’t move, not even to make myself more comfortable.

“The weather was dreadful. It was so cold and raining too.

“I was annoyed that the ambulance took so long but when they did arrive they were very good, as were the staff at Southport Hospital.

“I must also say a big thank you to all the staff at Morrisons, especially Joe, who brought me out a duvet to keep me warm.

“I am very fortunate and thankful that my injuries were not as bad as they could have been.” Colin Speakman, Margaret's husband, said: “Although this was a traumatic experience, I am just glad Margaret’s injuries were not serious.

“Morrisons staff were very good to us, they stayed with us until the ambulance came.

“The builders who were doing the work at the store apologised to us and even gave us some flowers.

“I just hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: “Customer safety is of paramount importance to us and we are very disappointed that a customer was injured outside our Southport store.

“Morrisons first aiders assisted the customer and stayed with her until the ambulance arrived.

“The contractor involved in the extension project has firmly secured the fence.”

19 January 2009 17.11:

AN elderly woman was taken to hospital after being hit by fencing at Morrisons on Lord Street.

Margaret Speakman, of Moss Lane, Churchtown, was shopping with her husband, daughter and grandson when strong winds blew fencing, which was covering building works, on top of her.

The 73-year-old, who was unable to stand up, was then forced to wait an hour and half on the floor in the cold and the rain before an ambulance could get to her.

Colin Speakman, Margaret's husband, said: "The family had just been shopping in Morrisons. My grandson and I were walking ahead of my wife and daughter as Margaret finds it difficult to walk.

"Then all of a sudden I heard a noise from behind and I saw Margaret on the ground.

"The hoardings that were surrounding the building work had blown on top of her.

"We called an ambulance at 12.30pm as Margaret could not get up and she was complaining of back and head pains. It didn't come until 2pm.

"Morrsions were very good. They gave us a foil blanket to keep Margaret warm and staff members stayed with us until the ambulance came."

19 January 2009 15.05:

AN elderly woman who fell outside Morrisons on Lord Street has been kept waiting for an ambulance for over an hour.

The woman remains at the scene and is currently being looked after by family and Morrisons staff.

Mike Morgan, who was at the scene when it happened, said: "The woman fell over outside of the store and couldn't get up.

"We called an amubulance straight away, and it wasn't even there an hour later.

"She is still waiting out in the cold and rain and only has a blanket to keep her warm."